The Westmeath FBD Young Farmer of the Year county finalist has been announced as Claire Rynn. She will go on to represent her county at the semi-final of the 13th annual FBD Young Farmer of the Year Competition, run by Macra na Feirme in partnership with the IFA.
Claire will compete against 25 of the country’s other top young farmers in the national semi-final, which takes place in the Seafields Hotel, Gorey, Co Wexford on August 29. Six finalists will then be chosen to go through to the national final the next day.
Macra na Feirme national president and finalist in this competition in 2010, Alan Jagoe, says “Macra na Feirme has championed the cause for young farmers for over 75 years. The FBD Young Farmer of the Year is an opportunity for us to celebrate the best young farmers in the industry. The competition reflects the dynamic, innovative and strong young leaders that exist in agriculture. Having participated in the competition myself, I am delighted to see the enthusiasm and dedication of the young farmers in the competition.”
The aim of this prestigious competition, run by Macra na Feirme in partnership with the IFA, is to recognise and reward the top young farmers in the country. The competition is kindly supported by FBD Insurance. Entrants are judged according to a number of criteria including farm business initiative and innovation, levels of farm efficiency and enterprise quality, farm safety and environmental protection awareness, as well as agricultural knowledge and community involvement.
The total prize fund for the 2011 FBD Young Farmer of the Year Competition is €10,000. Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place as well as to winners of the Innovation and Community Involvement Awards.
